Worth It (Damie)

Part 21

A/N: Happy Valentine's Day to all of you! The next chapter was ready, so I figured what better day than today to post about my favorite couple? While this one isn't nearly as romantic as the last, I hope you'll enjoy it nonetheless! Thanks for the LOVE you shower me in every day aside from this one, xoxo

***

I'm feeding the baby her yogurt as Dakota and Dulcie converse with my parents over breakfast. It's such a natural scene, and I only wish we would've come sooner. My phone vibrates in my pocket, so I retrieve it to see Amelia's name. I take a deep breath.

"Pardon, I have to take this," I tell my family.

Dakota meets my gaze and I sense her worry. I offer a small smile as I escort myself outside, away from everyone's earshot.

"Hello."

"Is she there?" she asks.

"Ah, good morning to you too. The girls are fine."

"Cut the shit, Jamie. Answer me."

"Yes, she is. I want her here."

She starts laughing that evil villain laugh, and it makes my skin crawl. I have immediate flashbacks of our worst fights, throwing objects and screaming down the house.

"I knew you were trying to pull something."

"Okay, if you're so clever why did you let it happen?"

"Because you're always preaching about how your parents deserve to see them."

My blood pressure immediately sky rockets. "Because they fucking do! Your mum isn't their only family. I won't raise them thinking Daddy's family doesn't love them."

"No one wants that. You're so dramatic." I hear her scoff on the other end.

I'm going to slam this phone into the concrete at my feet any second. "What's the problem then? They're visiting with their grandparents who aren't getting any younger."

"She's not your family, Jamie. And I don't want her near mine."

"You don't get a say in that. She will be part of this family soon, and our daughters need to be comfortable with her so their transition is smooth."

"Oh, so you're going to marry her tomorrow?" She's laughing again.

I'm about to flip. "That's none of your business. We are divorced. You don't control my life any more than I control yours."

"The public doesn't know we are, should I tell them? How angelic would your side piece look then?"

"You do it and my lawyer will take everything you own, including the girls." I don't care how harsh or invalid my threat is, I'm boiling. She will not drag Dakota's name in front of me. "We have a goddamn contract, and I've given you every dime you've asked for but haven't deserved. Don't try me—I'm not playing your games anymore. You come after Dakota, you'll have to go through me and a legion of others first."

She sighs. "She's not their mum."

"No shit, Amelia. I know who their fucking mum is. She isn't trying to replace you. She's supporting and loving of them. You should want that for your children. I am not coming back no matter how hard you try to guilt trip me. We're done, and that doesn't work anymore. I encourage you to move on in your own life, and stop trying to interfere in a situation you can't change. Dakota isn't going anywhere. Ever."

I hear the door close behind me, and turn to see her standing there. She regards me carefully before approaching.

"You need to be upfront with me," Amelia says. "If you want me to get out of your way then you have to be honest. Don't try to sneak our girls around with her. They're not part of your secret."